Introduction to health and culture

Health and Culture

Alejandro Flores was the first in his family to be born on American soil. This meant that Alejandro's life was destined to straddle two worlds: one of the life of his parents and ancestors in Puerto Rico and the other of his life as an American citizen. Alejandro's parents were "very proud" that their son could be born on American soil and worked hard to make that happen ("The Case of Alejandro Flores," n.d.). Alejandro's Spanish-speaking household consists of he and his three older siblings and one younger one, his parents and his grandmother.

Severe asthma has hampered Alejandro's health since he was age two. His parents have changed their lifestyle to accommodate and remedy the situation, going so far as to move to a new apartment. Alejandro receives and takes medication for his asthma but still experiences symptoms such as nighttime wheezing. Because the medications were not working, Alejandro's grandmother suggested that he see an espiritista. He did, and stopped taking prescription medications in favor of the herbal teas and prayer remedies given by the espiritista.

1. How do Senor Flores, Senora Flores and Dr. Jean view this situation from totally different perspectives?

When the family visited the clinic for a follow-up to their initial consultation six months ago during Alejandro's hospitalization, they were confronted with the fact that the espiritisa's methods were contradictory to those offered by the American doctors. The grandmother and the Flores family view the situation as being quite simple: whatever helps Alejandro is good. If the espiritista works, then they will follow whatever advice and remedies she prescribes. If the doctors' remedies work, they will follow those. Given that Alejandro was still experiencing symptoms even after a long time on medication and changes in lifestyle, it is understandable that the Flores family would not place much trust in the medial system.

2. Why might Senora Flores have chosen to consult an espiritista rather than call the clinic when Alejandro was not getting better?

Senora Flores consulted the espiritista because the medications were clearly not working. They had already done much to improve Alejandro's condition including move to a new home. It is perfectly reasonable to assume that the doctors at the clinic did not know how to treat Alejandro, and it made sense to revert to the traditional Puerto Rican remedies.

3. Which of the normative cultural values described in the Lecture might apply to Alejandro's case? Please explain.